Research published by Nutrition Journal found that people who regularly eat meat or chicken daily reported better moods and less stress after only 2 weeks on a strict vegetarian diet. LIVINGGREEN

Raising cattle for beef and milk spews more greenhouse gases into the air than all of the cars currently on the road. That stat came from a 2006 U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization report, which also found that the livestock industry wreaks havoc on our land and water—taking up vast amounts of scarce resources, and polluting the waterways more than probably any other industry. VeganRus

Cholesterol is found only in animal products, including meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and eggs. There is no cholesterol in plant foods. Cholesterol in food increases the LDL concentration in your blood. NutritionMD

Large studies in England and Germany showed that vegetarians were about 40 percent less likely to develop cancer compared to meat eaters. PhysiciansCommittee

A diet of minimally processed foods close to nature, predominantly plants, is decisively associated with health promotion and disease prevention. OrganicAuthority

If you’re ready to make the commitment of a vegan lifestyle, GREAT! I have lots of good recipes to share. But if perhaps you’re a little uneasy about the whole vegan thing, that’s ok too. Try moving towards a plant based diet. Little changes make a big difference not only for our bodies but for the planet! Maybe you can challenge yourself with a meatless Monday or a weekday veg. routine. Graham Hill does. Check out his TED talk about choosing a healthier lifestyle.